Wire rope is a type of rope which consists of several strands of metal wire laid (or 'twisted') into a helix. Initially wrought iron wires were used, but today steel is the main material used for wire ropes.
Historically wire rope evolved from steel chains which had a record of mechanical failure. While flaws in chain links or solid steel bars can lead to catastrophic failure, flaws in the wires making up a steel cable are less critical as the other wires easily take up the load. Friction between the individual wires and strands, as a consequence of their twist, further compensates for any flaws.
Read more about Wire Rope: History, Classification of Ropes According To Usage, Rope Drive, Safety, Terminations, See Also
Famous quotes containing the words wire and/or rope:
“Constantly risking absurdity and death whenever he performs above the heads of his audience the poet like an acrobat climbs on rime to a high wire of his own making.”
—Lawrence Ferlinghetti (b. 1919)
“Arrogance rides triumphantly through the gates, barely glancing at the old woman about to cut the rope and spring shut the trap.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)